26 goodreading ı SEPTEMBER 2006 word of mouth This section gives you an entertaining introduction to some of the books available this month, reviewed by famous names and new voices, all of them passionate readers, just like you. Each book has been given a star rating, and ‘RG’ indicates those books suitable for reading groups. You can write your own reviews on any of the books in this section at www.goodreadingmagazine.com.au and share your opinions with other gr readers. ★ Disappointing ★★ Worth a read ★★★ A good read ★★★★ Highly recommended ★★★★★ Outstanding RG Recommended for reading groups Talk Talk TC Boyle TC Boyle usually takes a current hot issue and tells his tale around it, illustrating how trends or social phenomena affect the lives of ordinary people. In this latest, very welcome, offering he tackles identity theft and the devastating consequences this has for Dana Halter, a deaf teacher of the deaf, and her boyfriend Bridger Martin. Dana’s personal details have been appropriated by someone who has racked up two years’ worth of outstanding warrants; eventually she’s arrested and spends a couple of thoroughly unpleasant nights in the slammer before persuading the authorities of her innocence. But now she wants revenge. She wants to find this subhuman thief who has humiliated and ruined her (she loses her job over the ar rest) and make him hurt the same way she did. So Dana and Bridger set off across America to wreak vengeance on William Peck Wilson, the identity thief. As they get closer to Wilson and begin to encroach on his life, the tension builds to a nail-biting finale. As usual with Boyle, you’ll need to keep a dictionary handy. Anyone immediately familiar with labile, crepitating, congeries, sclera? Read, enjoy and improve your vocabulary! ★★★★ RG Bloomsbury $29.95 Reviewed by Alison Pressley Bedroom Secrets of the Master Chefs Irvine Welsh It’s always a treat to receive a new Irvine Welsh novel, but this is a bit of a strange one. Welsh (temporarily, I hope) deserts the sleazy haunts of Renton and his gang to portray the lives of council health inspectors Danny Skinner – raffish, well-dressed, a bit of a Jack- the-lad – and nerdy anorak Brian Kibby. When Kibby starts work in the same office as Skinner, the latter takes a violent dislike to him. Through some weird Dorian Gray transference, Kibby begins to manifest the outward signs of Skinner’s debauched, alcoholic, drug-taking, football hooliganism life- style, while Skinner sails blithely on, untouched by physical or mental pain. Then Skinner decides to investigate the vexed question of his parentage on his father’s side, and things start getting complicated. The action hots up as Kibby sinks further into physical chaos. It’s an enjoyable enough read, but Welsh is not at his best in the living rooms – or bedrooms – of family homes. And Kibby and Skinner speak in Welsh’s familiar Edinburgh ‘schemie’ dialect some of the time, plain English at other times, which is a bit ir ritating. Come back (again) Rent-boy, all is forgiven. ★★★ Jonathan Cape $32.95 Reviewed by Alison Pressley The Mathematics of Love Emma Darwin This story begins in Lancashire in 1819, when Stephen Fairhurst, a veteran of Waterloo, arrives at the Durwards’ home to offer his hand and his worldly goods to their recently widowed younger daughter. But finding that she no longer wishes to accept his suit, he with- draws to Kersey Hall, his Suffolk home, where he starts to cor respond with the older daughter, Lucy. The story of his life unfolds as he tells Lucy of the unspeak- able horrors of war and the agony of a secret, lost love. The story moves to 1976, when teen- aged Anna comes to Kersey Hall, now a defunct boarding school, to live with her estranged uncle. She’s ready for adventure and excitement but finds only boredom and loneliness and a strange feeling of apprehension. On meeting her neighbours and being given copies of Stephen Fair- hurst’s letters, she becomes entangled in the story of the owner of this house 150 years ago. She lear ns the secrets of his life while her own secrets unfold, past and present. Emma Darwin weaves both stories together so masterfully. I found the beautifully descriptive passages a pleasure to read and the story very moving. I’m looking forward to reading it again, this time with deeper understanding. ★★★★★ RG Headline Review $32.95 Reviewed by Merle Morcom Find your next good read online at www.goodreadingmagazine.com.au DIRECT